It’s been called the “silent thief of sight” for a reason: glaucoma causes slow, permanent vision loss that often begins without pain or apparent symptoms. You could have perfect vision today and start losing peripheral sight tomorrow — all without knowing it.
At Complete Family Eye Care, we take that seriously. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to detect glaucoma before it can cause irreversible damage, using advanced technology and comprehensive eye exams right here in McKinney.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve — the cable that connects your eye to your brain. Most commonly, this damage is related to high eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
There are two common types of glaucoma:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma: The most common form, which progresses slowly and without noticeable symptoms.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common, but more urgent, this type can cause sudden symptoms like pain, nausea, and blurred vision.
What Are the Signs of Glaucoma?
Most early-stage glaucoma symptoms are subtle — or completely absent — which is why regular eye exams are essential. However, depending on the type of glaucoma, certain signs may appear over time. Here are some of the most common:
Gradual Vision Loss
This is usually the first sign of open-angle glaucoma. It often starts in your peripheral (side) vision, and you may not notice it until significant vision is lost.
Blurry Vision
While not always present, some patients may begin to experience general blurriness, especially when trying to focus at a distance or in low light.
Halos Around Lights
Seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around bright lights—especially at night—can be a warning sign of increased eye pressure or angle-closure glaucoma.
Eye Pain or Pressure
Angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden, intense eye pain, often accompanied by pressure behind the eyes. This requires immediate medical attention.
Headaches or Nausea
Because of the spike in eye pressure, some individuals with angle-closure glaucoma may also experience headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
Red Eyes
This can be a sign of many eye issues, but when combined with any of the above symptoms, red eyes may suggest an acute glaucoma episode.
How We Detect Glaucoma Early at Complete Family Eye Care
At Complete Family Eye Care, early detection isn’t just a goal — it’s the foundation of how we protect your vision. During every comprehensive eye exam, we include specific tests that help us monitor and evaluate your eye pressure, optic nerve health, and visual field.
Here are a few of the diagnostic tools we use in our McKinney office:
- Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eye. Elevated intraocular pressure is one of the earliest signs of glaucoma.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Allows us to examine the optic nerve directly for signs of damage or thinning.
- Visual Field Testing: Identifies blind spots or changes in peripheral vision that you might not yet notice.
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea, which affects eye pressure readings.
- OCT Imaging: Optical coherence tomography provides high-resolution images of your optic nerve, enabling the detection of subtle changes over time.
These tools give us a complete view of your eye health — so we can act early, even before symptoms arise.
How Often Should You Be Checked for Glaucoma?
Your risk level determines how frequently you should be screened:
- Low risk (under 40, no family history of glaucoma): Every 2–3 years
- Moderate risk (40–60 or family history of glaucoma): Every 1–2 years
- High risk (over 60, multiple risk factors): Annually, or more often if recommended
Glaucoma screening is just one part of your comprehensive eye exam, but it’s one of the most important — especially if you fall into any of the higher-risk categories.
Protect Your Sight with Glaucoma Exams in McKinney, TX
Glaucoma can’t be reversed — but it can be slowed or stopped, and your best defense is a thorough, technology-supported eye exam from someone who knows what to look for.
At Complete Family Eye Care, we believe early care is the best care. Our exams are precise, comfortable, and designed with your long-term vision in mind.Book your appointment to stay ahead of glaucoma — and protect your family’s future with clear, confident vision.